New Session Date Possible for Succulent Pumpkins: We may be adding a small group session the week of Oct 16th – Stay Tuned!

PRIVATE GROUP SESSIONS by Request:

If you have a small group of 4-6 people who would like a session on Succulent Topped Pumpkins, contact us right away! We can accommodate you, and now is the perfect time. Container Crazy CT has a beautiful mix of succulents available, the components, and a workshop space in Broad Brook, CT. Call or text to inquire: 860-977-9473.

Base materials (mosses), autumn decor (lotus pods, dried pods, etc.), soil, pins, instructions, tips on how to make the plants last beyond the autumn session, demo on how to propagate succulents, and more. Also, a pint of hard cider is included at session #2’s location (The Stafford Cidery), and a fall themed coffee drink is included at session #1’s location (Broad Brook).

Items You Will Need to Bring:

Glue sticks with pacakge of your own Glue Gun Sticks. It is best to work with your own.
Gloves – Optional
Scissors or sharp knife
Your own pumpkins or gourds. Bring as many as you wish! Various sizes recommended.
Your own fun decor as desired (felt, glitter balls, etc. Get creative.)
Note: We may have some unique decor items available for purchase also.

Prototype:

You may create any type you wish with any type of pumpkin, but Cathy Testa of Container Crazy CT, created a prototype with an orange Cinderella pumpkin. They are deeply grooved with a bowl, concave shape on the top. You may use a pumpkin with or without a stem, and any size. Bear in mind, the larger the size of the pumpkin, the more succulents you will require to fill your creation. Some people prefer to bring many small pumpkins or gourds to make a combination to display together or as table favors for parties. The ideas are endless, as usual.

Information:

Create an Autumn inspired piece for your table top as you learn about the world of succulent plants and how to design with their varied features and textures. You will also learn about the appropriate soil, care, and needs for these drought tolerant plants to keep them growing and overwintered appropriately.

Select the succulents you wish to use from a stock available for purchase at the workshop. Bring your own fresh pumpkin or gourd, or purchase those available at the workshop (based on availability in season).

This workshop is all about making a table top centerpiece, and all styles may be created from fun and whimsical, or formal and flashy! They will last for months!

2017 Featured Succulents:

2″-3.5″ and larger sized succulents of a mixed variety will be available of Sempervivum plants (hens and chicks) and Soft Succulents (Echeverias, etc.). We will also have various plants such as Jades and Kalanchoe to add texture along with mini cuttings to work with as you create your masterpiece! A list of planned species will be provided to confirmed attendees prior to their workshop date. Various styles, textures, and styles are made available to select from at these workshops.

Gallery:

To see photos of last year’s succulent creations, visit our Gallery. Last year, we used two different techniques to create our succulent topped pumpkins, and one was the best – so we are going to use the best one! These make wonderful table top centerpieces for the Autumn season on any inside table – like your kitchen table, coffee table, etc. You may create it with the styles and colors you love!

Pumpkins:

We find gourds tend to last longer because they are harder and have thicker skins, while orange typical pumpkins do work well, they sometimes don’t last “as long.” And have you ever seen the low, round blue-ish pumpkins or those shaped like Cinderella’s wagon? They work really well because the surface area around the stem is wide and large, concave or bowl like, for placement of succulents. I believe they are actually squash – see “Shamrock Squash” or the ” Cinderella” pumpkins on the web. Bringing two more more mini sizes with a large pumpkin makes a fun arrangement. We might have some spare pumpkins available in case you are unable to find your’s or wish to make an extra, etc. I’m not a pumpkin expert – as you may tell – but wanted to point out – think out of the box – and have fun picking out your pumpkins! Check out my Pinterest Board for Halloween and Autumn for ideas of pumpkin types available.

Timing:

Every year is a new experience with how our weather patterns occur, and how plants grow as a result. This season proved to be great for pumpkin growers. Pumpkins are out every where in early September this year (last year, they were out later).

Be mindful as you pick out your fresh pumpkin for the workshop. Try to get one that hasn’t been sitting out too long. Look for signs of fungus gnats flying about or rot and any blemishes on pumpkins – inspect before you select! Look for firm pumpkins.

I prefer to support local farmers who grow the pumpkins themselves – which are fresh from the field or their local pumpkin patch. But many places have them shipped to their locations. Just ask about when they were delivered or when they expect a new delivery.

If you decide you have your pumpkin picked out early, you should keep it where it is cold and dry, up to the workshop date. Your cool unheated garage is a good location, or in a spare fridge if you have one. If kept inside until the workshop, be aware that indoor light sources or heat sources can add to the decay of pumpkins. Keep them cool and dry.

If getting it early, be sure you place a piece of cardboard under the pumpkin so it doesn’t soften below. Also, another tip is to keep it out of direct sun and protect it from any frost if kept outdoors – which I doubt you will get frost before our workshops. Frost usually arrives later in October.